Last Friday, November 22, 2024, the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets defeated the number-two ranked Harlem Bulldogs, 21-0, to capture a chance to face the number one ranked Stephenson Jaguars in the Elite Eight.
Based on film, head coach Jared Zito knows that the Jaguars are well coached and athletic. He told us that they get a lot of extra yards, approve plays after contact, and break tackles well. His team will need to focus on stopping the Jaguar’s running backs, be ready for two different defensive formations, and prepare for their defenders' quickness to the ball and ability to shed blocks.
Last week the Jacket defense was the reason for SEB’s success against Harlem having two forced fumbles and three interceptions in the game by Stevie Padgett and Brant Horst, some sophomores who really stepped up.
“We have started 5-6 tenth graders this season and that experience is starting to pay off,” Zito said. “They have been good all year and last week they were great.”
Zito feels that his team is special because they play as one. There are not any superstars – just a group of very good players that are selfless, easy to coach, and are hungry to prove others wrong.
The Jackets are in uncharted territory for the first-time since the 70s. For his seniors, last week’s game was huge. They got a chance to raise the bar after the 2021 season when they won the very first playoff game since 1973. Now this upcoming game and beyond is for the pride of the team, community, and school.
“There is no pressure,” Zito mentioned in an interview. “We just keep working to improve, believe in the coach's plan, each other, and themselves.”
Coach Zito knows that each one of his guys will play hard for the guy next to them and that’s all he can ask for.
Every new week they start the record is 0-0. Taking it one week at a time is the mentality this group of Yellow Jackets have had all season long.
If you would like to tune in to the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets taking on the Stephenson Jaguars in Stone Mountain, GA, Friday, November 29, 2024, you can listen to the game on The Boro’s 106.5 FM or CLICK HERE to listen live.
You can also tune in to the NFHS Network or CLICK HERE to watch it live.
Kickoff is at 7:30 PM. If you can't make the game, you can CLICK HERE for live score updates by the Grice Connect Sports Team during the game.
Go Jackets!
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